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December 20th, two days before my 18th birthday when I told my family I'd be traveling to Brisbane, Australia for a holiday. Unknowingly to me, this so-called “holiday” turned into a fey experience that changed my life forever. Situated within the heart of Brisbane CBD, I found myself living inside an 8-person dorm room, located within a funky “backpackers by day, night-club by night” type of hostel, named Nomads. During my 3 month stay inside of this slightly run-down, college vibe hostel, I managed to land myself a hospitality job that allowed me to live permanently in Australia. And I took it! Maybe I wouldn’t have taken the job if my living situation was worse-off, or if I didn’t have any friends, however, none of that mattered to me anyway. Something was captivating about Brisbane that I wasn’t ready to let go of it. I informed my family and off I was. Living abroad; Working, hanging out, meeting new people, learning about the country and exploring Brisbane whenever I could. As each day passed, I learned more and more about the lifestyle in Australia. Not only from fellow Aussies, but the other nomads also living in the hostel. And dare I say, never in my life had I been exposed to such a multicultural environment before. Moving abroad is nothing like “taking a quick trip to Bali”. It’s an experience where you explore yourself, different cultures, alternative ways of living and much more. I couldn’t get enough of it! As someone who is naturally inquisitive, the thought of being surrounded by many different cultures within a country I’ve never lived before, surprisingly excited me (although it probably scares many). ...I’m still unsure if that’s a good thing or not. To be specific, I remember meeting a Chilean man who worked as a Chef for the backpackers we were living in at the time. He taught me about his culture, his beliefs, and what brought him to Australia. This man ended up becoming my partner and son’s, father. However, I met many other travelers like him, willing to share their stories with me. All across the world from places such as Canada, Italy, Germany, the Philippines, Brazil, Portugal, Ukraine, and The United States. It made me question myself and why I had fallen in love with the country so much. Why, after living in a country for 18-years, did I never see myself going back there to live permanently? What was it about Brisbane, Australia that made me feel like I was born in the wrong country, and never wants to leave again? I now know the answer. Coming from a small country of New Zealand, I was exposed to beautiful landscapes, a country lifestyle, eco-friendly living and a close-knit community. As I left high school and graduated in International Flight Attending, I found myself attracted to the idea of exploring the world and other cultures. For this, it became the foundation of my love for Australia. I learned the appreciation I had for my country, simple living and alternative ways, that when I moved abroad, I fell in love with the lack of (or alternative experience). It isn’t that I disliked my country, my culture or my previous lifestyle, but instead appreciate it and find deep fascination with the unknown that Australian culture brings. Australia let me into their large country, into their populated city, with open arms. They allowed me to work in their country, explore their beautiful sceneries and integrate into their society without obstruction or hate. When I say “I was born in the wrong country”, I am sharing my passion, love, and admiration for Australia. I encourage you to take a trip to Brisbane, Australia, where the city is warm, the culture is vibrant and the people are welcoming.